Despite the frequent showers today, calm winds made for good birdwatching conditions, both inside the harbour and out.

The highlights from our Pop-up event at Knoll Beach, Studland were a raft of 6 female/juvenile type Common Scoter in the centre of the bay, 6 Black-necked Grebe scattered widely, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sandwich Tern, 31 Brent Geese, and 22 Canada Geese. Closer to the Harbour mouth the Red-necked Grebe was showing well once again in Shell Bay, alongside 2 Great Northern Diver, 14 Sanderling, 3 Sandwich Tern, plus 16 Turnstone and 1 Grey Plover tucked up in Bramble Bush Bay. From Jerry’s Point 5 Great Northern Diver, 2 Scaup and 4 Sandwich Tern were also noted.

Elsewhere a Ringtail Hen Harrier gave stunning views at Middlebere, and 27 Spoonbill were seen flying west over the Swineham Gravel Pit. Also of note were 2 Egyptian Geese at Bog Lane.

Ringtail Hen Harrier – Middlebere – Peter Moore